Martin Odegaard’s Unforgettable Three-Day Stint with Liverpool: The Untold Story That Followed
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, has undoubtedly left his mark since joining the club in the summer of 2021. With 26 goals and 15 assists in 111 appearances, he’s been a pivotal force in the team’s success. However, there was a time when a move to Liverpool seemed imminent, and Odegaard even trained with the Reds. Let’s dive into the fascinating details of this intriguing story.
Why did Martin Odegaard train with Liverpool? Odegaard first gained recognition when he made history as the first player to score in the Norwegian Premier League for Stromsgodset. At just 24 years old, he possesses incredible leadership qualities, technique, and a versatile passing range, making him an integral part of Arsenal.
Before making his final decision on his next club, Odegaard embarked on a trial journey, training with several interested clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Liverpool seemed to be leading the race for his signature, and Odegaard even visited Anfield and Liverpool city center during his visit. However, he made it clear that his decision would be based solely on his career’s best interests.
In an interview with Sport Bild, he stated, “Liverpool have always been my dream club, but I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club. It’s all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development. That is not necessarily Liverpool. I haven’t really thought about my future yet.”
Why Martin Odegaard snubbed Liverpool for Real Madrid In 2014, Odegaard was considered one of the hottest prospects in football. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest player to feature in a European Qualifier. Liverpool was among the clubs interested in the prodigious talent, but Real Madrid ultimately secured his signature for a reported £2.3 million. Odegaard explained his decision in an interview with The Players Tribune.
“So, why Real Madrid then? I talked about it a lot with my dad and the rest of my family. In the end, Madrid is Madrid,” he said. “They were the Champions League holders with the best players in the world. Back then, I loved Isco – he was so smooth on the ball. Another one of my kind of players! But the really key thing about Madrid’s offer was that they had a B team where I could play competitive football immediately. And the manager of that team? Zinedine Zidane. It felt like the total package.”
After joining Real Madrid, Odegaard went on loan to clubs like Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad. While his career initially appeared to stagnate, he has thrived at Arsenal, helping them secure a second-place finish in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season. Arsenal fans have high hopes for their team in the Champions League this season, with Odegaard playing a pivotal role.
As Arsenal continues to shine in the new campaign, Odegaard’s journey from Liverpool’s training ground to North London glory stands as a testament to his determination and the unpredictable twists and turns of a footballer’s career.